Yellow-faced Whipsnake Demansia psammophis

Snakes of Victoria series

Identification

The Yellow-faced Whipsnake, Demansia psammophis, is a slender, pale brown snake with a conspicuous yellow, comma-shaped mark around the eye and a narrow dark line across the snout. It has 15 rows of mid-body scales, a divided anal scale and over 60 divided subcaudal scales. It grows to a maximum length of 80 cm.

Distribution and habitat

This species occurs along the Murray River and in the Sunset Country, in the north-west of Victoria.

Biology and bite

The Yellow-faced Whipsnake is a fast-moving species which preys on lizards. Each female lays a clutch of 4-9 eggs. Larger clutches, comprising the contributions of more than one female, have been found in soil cracks.

It is not considered dangerous to adults, although a bite may cause local pain and discomfort. If bitten on a limb, apply a pressure bandage, immobilise the limb and seek medical advice immediately. If bitten elsewhere, apply continual direct pressure to the bite site. Do not wash the wound as the venom can confirm the identification of the snake.

Further Reading

Coventry, A. J. and Robertson, P. 1991. The Snakes of Victoria – A Guide to their Identification. Department of Conservation & Environment/Museum of Victoria.

Comments (5)

Hi, we live at St Albans NSW and we have a rockery around our house. We have seen 6 yellow faced whip snakes and intend to remove the top layer of the rockery as we have a three year old. How dangerous are these snakes to young children (we are relieved they are not brown snakes as we originally thought).

This morning we found a small snake but we don't know what kind dad is thinking the yellow faced whip snake but we are have trouble finding what kind it is now it is the backyard and we are worried about our dog. Is there any other way to tell what type it is? What if he bites my dog.

Hi Emily, unfortunately the Museum's Herpetologist needs to see an image of the snake to try and confidently identify the species. If you got a good look at it you may be able to identify it from the Museum's Bioinformatics website, which has images of all the snake species found in Victoria.

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We love receiving comments, but can’t always respond.

Marta
10 September, 2014 14:30

Hi, I'm writing from a station in Nullarbor plain, close to Madura (WA). Just one hour ago one of these little snakes was taking a nap outside the kitchen.. As well as other viewers I'm relieved that's not a brown snake or one of the big bad ones that usually live in this area! Anyway, it's a long walk from Victoria, isn't it?